Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Waipa Glass

We close down for the Holiday period fromFriday 21st Dec – Monday 7th Jan

BUT Glaziers are available through our 24/7 service over the holidays!

To book call Jake 021500839

◆ ALL re-glazing, both Commercial & Residential – Insurance Approved Master Glaziers

◆ Custom Glass & Laminam Splashbacks, Custom Frameless Showers & Mirrors

◆ All Pet doors – we stock Standard & Microchip models

◆ 24/7 Emergency repair work available call Jake 021500839

www.waipaglass.co.nz 274 Rickit Road, Te Awamutu | Offi ce: 078714621

Thank youThank youto all our volunteers for your

valuable assistance during 2018.Happy Christmas to all our clients Happy Christmas to all our clients

We are taking a break fromThursday 20 December and will resume on

Monday 14 January 2019

07 871 5069Bond Road, Te Awamutu, P.O. Box 437

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Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!

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2 Thursday, December 13, 2018Te Awamutu Courier Christmas Supplement

Trees at The MeteorH

amilton’s iconicChristmas eventis returning toThe MeteorTheatre today.

Since its inception in2008, Trees at the Meteorhas become a Christmastradition for many Waikatoresidents who turn up everyyear to see what thecommunity has created.

Event organiser DariseMackenzie says the family-friendly event puts a smile onthe faces of children andadults.

“It’ a super-festive forestof what Christmas means toHamilton,” he says.

“It makes young kidscrack a smile and more jadedcitizens feel Christmasyagain.”

Running for six days,Trees at the Meteor provides

an opportunity for the publicto view and vote for theirfavourite trees.

There are three differentcategories of trees andaround 60 trees to choosefrom.

Categories include ‘Treesof Awesomeness’, ‘MiniTrees’ and a new category,‘Compassiontrees’ - treeswith a social conscience.

Darise says the newcategory encapsulates thelongstanding theme of theTrees at the Meteor -‘compassion, notconsumption’.

“It’s about Hamiltoniansshowing their hearts andhelping hands.”

Theatre managerDeborah Nudds says theevent takes over the MeteorTheatre and transforms thespace into a Christmas

wonderland.“We absolutely love Trees

at the Meteor,” Deborahsays.

“It embodies everythingwe value - affordable,accessible, creative, family-friendly, community artsevents.”

Meteor employee HannahMooney says the event, in its11th year, will be the bestand brightest event.

“It’s the ultimate non-traditional Christmastradition.”

Trees at the Meteor at 1Victoria St, runs fromDecember 13-18 from 7pmto 10pm (5pm to 10pm onDecember 15).

■ Entry is $6pp/$20 perfamily group. Moreinformation atwww.treesatmeteor.co.nz

Tips for buying safeChristmas gifts fromoverseas websitesL

urking online this Christmasshopping season is an abundanceof products containing hazardoussubstances which can pose a risk ifthey don’t meet New Zealand’s

strict rules to keep Kiwis safe.Lizzie Wilson, Environmental Protection

Authority (EPA) spokesperson for its SaferHomes Programme, says products that canpose the most risk include cosmetics andtoiletries, such as perfume and make up,and children’s graphics materials: fingerpaints, crayons, and watercolour paints.

“We all like the convenience of onlineshopping, but it’s hard to know how safethe goods are if you don’t have a physicalproduct in your hand,” says Lizzie.

“Every year 500 children across NewZealand end up in hospital, harmed by ahazardous substance, including thosewhich state they are natural as they can stillbe hazardous.

“The EPA’s hazardous substances datashows that injuries can occur fromproducts: whether that’s the result ofbabies or toddlers who are prone to suckingor eating brightly coloured paints orcrayons, to others who may experience skinreactions as a result of unsafe chemicalformulas in skin or hair products,” saysLizzie.

When shopping online remember: Buyproducts from retailers and brands youknow and trust.

If you are in any doubt about the safety of

a product, don’t buy or use it.If the label isn’t in English, doesn’t list the

ingredients, batch code and New Zealandimporter and manufacturer contact details,the product isn’t compliant with the safetyrules.

And when you bring your gifts home,store cosmetics and other hazardoussubstances out of reach of small children.Even if the product states it’s ‘non-toxic’ or‘natural’ it could be dangerous if swallowed.

If you have an allergic or other reaction toa product, stop using it immediately. If thereaction is severe, get medical help.

Make sure you follow the instructions onthe label, and use the product only asintended.

It’s also a good idea to patch testproducts to find out whether a product islikely to irritate your skin or cause an allergicreaction when it is applied to a larger area.

Ordering from overseas If you areordering presents from overseas you need toknow what is allowed.

Products such as finger paints, crayons,and water colour paints (graphics materials)need special permission.

■ For more tips visit www.epa.govt.nz/saferhomes or the EPA Safer HomesFacebook page.New Zealand Customs website hasinformation about bringing these into thecountry www.customs.govt.nz/personal/prohibited-and-restricted-items/

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3Thursday, December 13, 2018 Te Awamutu Courier Christmas Supplement

Crowds, floats turn out for sunny Santa parade

Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade won the award for bestservice club/societies float for its fleet of fire trucks. Picturedis Deane Mark with daughters Addison (left) and Kenzee, withnephew Adam in the passenger seat. Photo / Colin Thorsen

Former parade organiser Colin Pinkerton drives local MP Barbara Kurigerdown the main street in his 1909 De Dion. Photo / Bethany Rolston

Hump Bridge Milk, winner of the best commercial/businessfloat award, milking the crowd’s attention at the parade onSaturday. Photo / Colin Thorsen

Citizens Advice Bureau volunteers Lesley Gambrill(left) and Jill Broom await the start of the parade.

Photo / Colin Thorsen

Agiant milk bottle,Ronald McDonaldbelting out festive tunesand Santa enjoying apicnic were just some of

the floats at this year’s Rotary/GislerArchitects Christmas Parade onSaturday.

Rotary took on the role oforganising the popular event afterformer organisers stepped downthis year.

Rotary president Chris Kay saysthe parade was a success andattracted masses of people.

“The parade went very wellconsidering it was a newcommittee,” he says.

“Our main focus was ensuringthat the event carried on. It’s toogood an event to let fall by thewayside.

“We’ve got an enthusiasticcommittee and I can’t see itfaltering any time soon.”

“Now that we’ve got one underour belt, we are already lookingforward to next year and thinkingabout new ideas.”

Chris was grateful the weatherplayed its part on the day and wasdelighted with the variety, qualityand creativity of the 40 floats.

Chris says he was overwhelmedby the community support of theparade and thanks the organisingcommittee and volunteers whohelped on the day.

“Thanks to Te AwamutuCommunity Cadet Unit, TeAwamutu Lions, Kihikihi Lions,Kihikihi Rotary and the members ofTe Awamutu Rotary.

“And thanks to our sponsors —Gisler Architects, Waipa DistrictCouncil and Te AwamutuCommunity Board.”

■ Continued Page 5

381 Alexandra Street - 871 3707Courtesy van ext push 4 free callWed to Mon from 4pmMEMBER OF CLUBSNZ & RNZRSAMembers, their invited guests and affi liated members most welcome

TE AWAMUTURSAWishing the community a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Closed Christmas Day

St John Te Awamutu OpportunityShop will be closed from Monday 24December 2018 and will reopen onMonday 7 January 2019.

Thank you to our wonderful customersand incredible shop volunteers forall your support in 2018 and we lookforward to serving you in the New Year.

16 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu.Phone 07 870 3411

St John OpportunityShop Holiday hours

PH 870 2951 - FAX 870 2952 - OPENING HOURS 7:30AM-6:30PM58 JACOBS STREET - TE AWAMUTU

Wishing all our customersa Very Merry Christmas and

a Healthy New Year

Q U A L I T Y P R O D U C E • B E S T P R I C E S • E X C E L L E N T S E R V I C E

Thank you for your custom in 2018 and we will continue toprovide the very freshest produce at great prices in 2019

We will be closed on public holidays but are looking forward to assisting you throughout the summer.

Merry ChristmasMTF Finance Te AwamutuMTF Finance Te Awamutu and MTF Finance Hamilton WestMTF Finance Hamilton West

FROM THE TEAMS AT

4 Thursday, December 13, 2018Te Awamutu Courier Christmas Supplement

Lily Allen on showat Spark Arena

■ WIN: LILY ALLEN CD

Lilly Allen is back toplay Auckland’sSpark Arena onSaturday, February2. After taking time

off to regroup, revitalise andrefresh, Lily is raring to go.

Last seen here as a co-headliner at Big Day Out in2010, her much anticipatedvisit has folks buzzing andthat’s no surprise.

Since her firstmainstream single Smiletopped the charts in 2006she hasn’t looked back.

We’re giving you thechance to win one of twocopies of her latest offeringNo Shame ahead of whatpromises to be one magicshow.

An electropop album,NoShame takes influence fromdancehall and reggae, andfeatures confessional lyricsthat discuss the breakdownof Allen’s marriage andfriendships, maternal guilt,substance abuse, along withsocial and political issues.

No Shame has beenpraised for its mature lyricalcontent and themes, Allen’sartistic evolution, thecomposition andproduction.

The album reached thetop 40 on the New Zealandcharts.

Expect to see many ofthe tracks from the albumperformed at the show,after all it marks her re-emergence and rebirth as an

artist.Apart from the singles

Trigger Bang and Lost MyMind there are greatnumbers such as Come OnThen, What You Waiting For,Your Choice, My One, Waste,Pushing Up Daisies, Apples,Higher and Cake — any ofwhich would make awelcome addition to hersetlist.

And don’t forget herother popular singles and fanfavourites such as LDN,Littlest Things, F-You and NotFair — which will have yousinging along and rocking

out in the aisles.Lily Allen is an icon for a

reason, and now she’s armedwith a new outlook on lifeand a newfound sense ofpurpose.

Be there and share in it.Tickets from Ticketmaster.

■ You can enter by text(write TAC Lily Allen CD, plusyour name and address, andtext it to 021 241 4568) ormail (address to Lily Allen CDCompetition and include yourname, address and daytimephone number). Deadline is5pm Tuesday.

This competition is provided by ‘Fill The House Tickets Project’, proudlysupporting families of children with cancer.

Waipa Christmas Light TrailTe Awamutu

Te Awamutu Rose Gardens, Gorst Ave365 Ohaupo Rd655 Mahoe St - down driveway if lights on720 Mahoe St291 and 917 Pakura St51 and 240 Rutherford St297 Te Tomo St1010 Bank St258 Raikes Ave2026 Park Rd16 Galloway St, Kihikihi35 Bryce St, Kihikihi480 and 502 Cambridge Rd73 Ryburn Rd, Ohaupo

Cambridge

54A Raleigh St69 Milton St25 Carlyle St118 Thornton Rd3 Kings CresCambridge Fire

Station, Duke St39A Norfolk Dr39B Norfolk Dr26 Moore St46 West Thompson St4 Austen Pl11 Ihimaera Tce7 Blairgowrie Pl

Please call Craig on 021 247 0900 for your free no obligation quote

Displayed photos are 10 x 4 and 12 x 4. Many other sizes and colours available.

m: 021 247 0900 | ph: 07 870 5556 | f: 07 870 5557email: improvements@truestyle.co.nz | website: www.truestyle.co.nz

TrueStyle Improvements are the accredited agent for Superior Fibreglass Pools

These are extremely high fi nished pools and are proudly handcrafted in New Zealand

nz

The teamat Truestyle wish you

all a Safe andHappy Christmas

5Thursday, December 13, 2018 Te Awamutu Courier Christmas Supplement

Sunny as Santa parade arrives in Te Awamutu

Ladies of SteamPunk, from left Donna Baranski, Pip Oxlade andDee Nichols, strut their stuff down the main street. Photo / Bethany Rolston

Arohena Playcentre, winner of the float parade. Photo / Colin Thorsen

Ronald McDonald was once again a hit at this year’sparade, singing Christmas tunes from high in the sky.

Photo / Bethany Rolston

Jake Omundsen walks with dog Moppin the Rotary/Gisler Architects Christ-mas Parade as part of the V E Veterin-ary Services float. Photo / Bethany Rolston

Family and friends of Norwood staff on the float: Gabby Bass(left) with daughter Quinn Vierboom, Kylee Pheng and MarcusClark. Photo / Bethany Rolston

■ From Page 3

He also thanked supportersPak’nSave, Mitre 10 Mega, TheWarehouse, The Honda Shop andNZME.

The following floats receivedawards:

- Overall winner: ArohenaPlaycentre

- Children/youth: BestStart TeAwamutu, 1; Te Awamutu GirlGuides, 2; Te Awamutu GymSports, 3.

- Commercial/businesses:Hump Bridge Milk, 1; The HondaShop, 2; Mad Hatter CostumeHire, 3.

- Service clubs/societies: TeAwamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade,1; Te Awamutu Health Shuttle, 2;Connexu, 3

CCCCCCCCCCChhhhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiissssssssssstttttttttttmmmmmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssss HHHHHHHHHHHooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrsssssssssss

Closed Monday 24th Dec, Christmas Day & Boxing DayOpen Thursday 27th Dec and Friday 28th Dec, 10.00am – 4.30pm

Closed Saturday and Sunday

Open Monday 31st Dec, 8.30am – 4.00pm • Closed News Day and 2nd JanOpen Thursday 3rd Jan, 9.00am – 5.00pm • Open Friday 4th Jan, 9.00am – 4.00pm

Closed Saturday & Sunday

Christmas Week:

New Years Week:

Normal hours resume Monday 7th Jan

HH

371 Mahoe St, Te Awamutu 871 7432

FROM THE TEAM AT GW ACCOUNTANTSWe’re taking a break from our spreadsheets to count our blessings, the pressies we need to buy, and the grains of sand between our toes.

Our offices close at noon on Thursday 20 December 2018, and reopen at 8:30am on Monday 14 January 2019.

For urgent support, please phone Graeme Wansbone on 027 2287 338.

ACCOUNTING | TAX | CONSULTANCY

195 Mahoe Street, Te AwamutuP: 07 872 0585 | info@gwca.nz | www.gwca.nz

MERRY CHRISTMAS

33 Progress Drive, Otorohangawww.customtone.co.nz • 0800 873 808

From all the team at Customtone,we’d like to thank you all for your

custom and wish you alla very merry Christmas

6 Thursday, December 13, 2018Te Awamutu Courier Christmas Supplement

The Hollies returningto play Claudelands

■ WIN: HOLLIES DOUBLE PASS

Celebrate themuch-anticipatedreturn of TheHollies, one of thegreatest Brit Pop

bands of all time, by pickingup a double pass to theirHamilton show atClaudelands Arena,Monday, March 4.

Claudelands Arena is theideal venue at which towelcome back the groupand it’s right on yourdoorstep.

The Hollies, who withmore hit singles then theBeatles in the '60's, shapedthe world of pop music as weknow it today.

The Hollies mega hitsinclude The Air That IBreathe, Bus Stop, Long Cool

Woman In A Black Dress,Carrie Anne, Magic WomanTouch, Stop Stop Stop, On ACarousel, Here I Go Again, I'mAlive, Sorry Suzanne, Pay YouBack With Interest, LookThrough Any Window, JustOne Look, I Can't Let Go, Stay,Dear Eloise, He Ain't HeavyHe's My Brother and I Can'tTell The Bottom From TheTop, all of which continue tobe among the most-playedin the world today —testament to just how goodthis group is.

Expect to hear all theseand more at their live showwhich is the best part of twohours long and will have yourockin' till you drop.

The Hollies remain one ofthe few British groups of the

early 1960s, along with TheRolling Stones and TheSearchers, that have neverdisbanded and continue torecord and perform.

They remain as currenttoday as they were way backwhen and have retained thatinimitable Hollies ‘sound’.

Why would you want tobe anywhere else?

Tickets from Ticketek.

■ You can enter by text(write TAC Hollies tix, plusyour name and address, andtext it to 021 241 4568) ormail (address to The HolliesTickets Competition andinclude your name, addressand daytime phonenumber). Deadline is 5pmTuesday.

This competition is provided by ‘Fill The House Tickets Project’, proudlysupporting families of children with cancer.

Te Awamutu174 Alexandra Street

07 871 8700www.blueribbonharcourts.co.nzBlue Ribbon Realty LtdMREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

220 Bank Street , Te AwamutuPhone 872 0300 | www.tamc .co.nz

... wish you aMerry Christmas

and a healthy,happy New Year

For assistance outside hoursPlease contact (07) 872 0300 for information on

who can provide advice and care.

Doctors & Staff at...f at...& S

CLOSED 25th and 26th December 2018,and 1st and 2nd January 2019

OPEN Normal opening hours applyon all other days

CHRISTMAS/ NEW YEAR HOURS – Closed from Saturday 22nd December and open for business as usual on January 3rd 2019 at 8am

Trading HoursChristmas & New Year

Monday 24th December 8am ~ 1pm Tuesday 25th December ~ Closed

Wednesday 26th December ~ Closed

Thursday 27th December 8am ~ 4pm Friday 28th December 8am ~ 4pm

Saturday 29th December ~ Closed Sunday 30th December ~ Closed Monday 31st December ~ Closed

Tuesday 1st January ~ Closed Wednesday 2nd January ~ Closed

Normal trading hours resume Thursday 3rd January 2019

TIMMO’S ITM, Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu Phone: 07 871 7545

Fax: 07 871 7501 Email: sales@timmos.co.nz

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas & New Year

8 Thursday, December 13, 2018Te Awamutu Courier Christmas Supplement

Extraordinary storyof courage and faith

■ WIN: THE HEART OF JESUS VALENTINO

Struggling for a Christmas presentidea — check out The Heart of JesusValentino, a page-turning story of ayoung couple who face a tough decisionwhen they learn their unborn

baby has a fatal heart condition.They choose to continue the

pregnancy — and are amazed by whathappens when their son is born.

It is beautifully written, poignantand profound for a large marketamong parents, doctors,midwives, counsellors and thoseinterested in spiritual questionsand surviving loss.

During a routine 12-weekscan, Emma Gilkison thinksit looks as though herunborn baby has a marblerolling on his chest. Infact, it is his heartgrowing outside hisbody — anextremely rare andfatal conditioncalled ectopia cordis.

Emma and her partnerRoy now face two heartbreakingoptions. Should they end thepregnancy? Or continue in the knowledgetheir baby will die?

The couple walk a minefield as they seek helpand spiritual counsel from people of manydifferent views and beliefs, and at the same timestruggle to keep their relationship alive.

This is an extraordinary story about peopleforced to go beyond their everyday experienceand confront head-on issues of life and death. Itwill touch all who read it, and is already havingan impact in the medical world.

Dr Tom Gentles said it was a very touching

story to read.“In the modern age there is so much that can

be ‘fixed’, but there remains some childrenwhere this is not possible,” he said.

“This book will be very useful for familiesgoing through a similar journey.”

Emma Gilkison graduated inJournalism from Massey

University and worked as afreelance writer, and acolumnist for TheSunday Star-Times

and The Dominion.In 2013 she gained

a Bachelor of AppliedArts (Creative Writing) at

Whitireia Polytechnic.She has studied short

fiction and science writing atVictoria University’s

International Institute ofModern Letters, and her writing

has appeared in newspapers andmagazines.

She currently lives in Brisbanewith her partner Roy Costilla and

their son Amaru.Awa Press have supplied two

complimentary copies of the book togive away. The book can also be

purchased from Guys Paper Plus in TeAwamutu.

■ To be in to win a copy of this book simply putyour name, address and daytime phone numberon the back of a standard sized envelope,address it to The Heart of Jesus ValentinoCompetition or text TAC Jesus Valentino, plusyour name and address to 021 241 4568), makingsure it reaches our office by 5pm, Tuesday,December 18.

All Christmas Packages are inclusive of the following: Decorated Christmas Tree in the Restaurant or Upstairs Lounge area and perfect for your secret Santa selection + Christmas

themed centre pieces and Christmas themed napkins.

Christmas Crackers on the table – add $1.00 per person

Christmas Menu Options at

Rafters Restaurant

RAFTERS CHRISTMAS BUFFET $30.00Roast LambMint SauceRed Wine Gravy

Honey Glazed Champagne HamCrushed PineappleMustard

Leafy Garden SaladColeslaw with Pineapple & Roasted Peanuts

Steamed Seasonal VegetablesRoasted PumpkinRoasted KumaraRosemary RoastedBaby Potatoes

Christmas Pudding served with warm Brandy CustardFruit Salad with whipped creamFruit Mince TartsFreshly Brewed Tea & Coffee

The Xmas themed special two course buffet available on Thursday’s from 5pm in December 6th,

13th & 20th for $28 per person.

Rafters Restaurant / Waipa Workingmens Cluboffi ce@waipawmc.co.nz / ph 07 871 3923

Safe & happy holidays and a wonderful 2019

Neal, Tania and our dedicated team would like to thank our customers for your support through 2018 and

wish you all a

9Thursday, December 13, 2018 Te Awamutu Courier Christmas Supplement

A Christmas gift thatwill last all year

The 2019 Firefighters Calendar hastaken on a new look for 2019,featuring the ever popularfirefighters alongside Child Cancerambassadors.

In the past the calendar has featuredfirefighters from throughout New Zealand in‘pecks and abs’ shots, while the new lookcalendar embraces both New Zealandfirefighters and Child Cancer childrenambassadors.

According to Firefighter Tony “Scottie”Scott the new look calendar fits with the newdirection of Fire and Emergency.

“We’ve had a great time pulling this

calendar together. The kids have addedanother dimension to it and our people werereally excited to evolve what has been afavourite calendar for many people.

“Each month tells a story; not only thephotos which are definitely hero shots but thekids and their individual stories really resonate.It’s great to be keeping it real,” says Scottie.

The calendar was first produced in 1990,and has risen over $1million for Child CancerFoundation. The calendar costs $15 with upto $3 from every calendar going to ChildCancer Foundation.

■ To buy a calendar: www.childcancer.org.nz

We look forward to seeing you in the New YearWe are closed from 3pm Friday 21st December and

Reopening on Wednesday 9th January 2019

Wishing you all a very happy & safe Christmas

Te Awamutu 07 871 5209 | Otorohanga 0275 805 255www.bowersconcrete.co.nz

GIVETHE GIFT OF FITNESSSNAP FITNESS TE AWAMUTU

VISIT US AT 107 GEORGE ST OR CALL 07 280 7692 FOR DETAILS

10 Thursday, December 13, 2018Te Awamutu Courier Christmas Supplement

Best of Topp Twins■ WIN: THE VERY BEST OF THE TOPP TWINS

On February 2, VillaMaria Wineryplays host toRodriguez, DaveDobbyn, The

Topp Twins and The Eastern.What a great line-up of

entertainment at one ofAuckland’s most iconic ofvenues.

Iconic Kiwi entertainersDames Lynda and Jools Topp(aka The Topp Twins) areperforming alongside thelegendary Rodriguez, DaveDobbyn and The Eastern.

We have two copies of TheVery Best Of The Topp TwinsCD up for grabs as the idealprecursor to what is shaping asone of the best nights on thisyear’s entertainment calendar.

And they have beenpersonally signed by Jools andLynda.

Nestled among its 20 greattracks are such greats as FridayNight Get Up, Nga Iwi E, HonkyTonk Angel and of course thequintessential Topp Twinsanthem Untouchable Girls.

But wait there’s more! Wehear that the Topp Twins havejust released a new book —Topp Country (check outtheir websitewww.topptwins.com for moreinfo).

We tell you this as we’veheard that (Sirs) Ken and Ken— real rural blokes, havepenned poems for the bookthat celebrate the country

lifestyle and what it means tobe a Kiwi, in love with our landand its bounty — and isn’tVilla Maria a sterling exampleof that?

Will they make a surpriseappearance and try to stealthe show with a recitation ofsaid poems? There’s only oneway to find out — be there.

Nearly five decades afterthe release of his first and mostfamous recording — ColdFact — Rodriguez’s incrediblevocal and musical skill is finallybeing heard by audiencesaround the globe.

This is his third visit to ourshores, proving he is as

popular as ever and wherebetter to witness his brilliancethan among the stunningambience that is Villa MariaWinery.

A night with the stars,under the stars — make thejourney.

Tickets from Ticketmaster.

■ You can enter by text (writeTAC Topp Twins CD, plus yourname and address, and text itto 021 241 4568) or mail(address to The Topp Twins CDCompetition and include yourname, address and daytimephone number). Deadline is5pm Tuesday.

This competition is provided by ‘Fill The House Tickets Project’, proudly supportingfamilies of children with cancer.

STRAWBRIDGES 100% TE AWAMUTU OWNED & OPERATED319 Alexandra Street • Phone 07 871 7090

The team at Strawbridges wish you all a

very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New YearGet all your last minute gifts in-store open Monday 24th December

Small Appliances • Fabulous Home Decor Items • Kids Furniture • Toys and MORE!

11Thursday, December 13, 2018 Te Awamutu Courier Christmas Supplement

Look after your pets in the heat of summer

Photo / Zaryd Wilson

With thewarmerweatherupon us,SPCA wants

to remind animal owners tobe vigilant in the care of theirpets over the summer.

In the summer months,SPCA sees an increase in thevolume of complaints relatingto animals without shade,animals lacking fresh water,and dogs left in hot cars.

“All of these welfare callscan be avoided by ownersputting provisions in placeand planning ahead for theirfurry family members,” saysSPCA CEO, Andrea Midgen.

Dog owners should alsobe aware that with theintroduction of MPI’s newAnimal Welfare regulations onOctober 1, they can now befined $300 for leaving theirdog in a hot car.

“Dogs left in cars is acommon welfare issue SPCAresponds to over the summer.

The interior of a car can heatup very quickly on a sunnyday. Leaving the windowsslightly open has very littleeffect. This situation can beextremely dangerous — evenfatal — for dogs and is entirelypreventable.

“It is our hope that ownerswill be mindful of the newregulation and the risk to theirdogs — and think twice aboutleaving their dog in a car on awarm day,” says Andrea.

“Summer is an enjoyabletime of year for pets andpeople, and there are simplesteps animal owners can taketo make sure their pets aresafe and happy too.”

Help your pet stay cooland enjoy a happy summerby following SPCA’s summersafety tips:Dogs in hot cars■ If the purpose of your trip isnot for your dog, leave themat home.■ If you must take your dogwith you in the car, bring

fresh water and a water dishfor them and always take yourdog with you when you leaveyour car.

If you see a dog sufferingin a hot car, take immediateaction by finding the dogowner or call the Police orSPCA. Do not smash the carwindow as this can put bothyou and the dog at risk.Exercise for pets■ Exercise your pets early inthe mornings or in theevenings, so they won’toverheat.■ Avoid long and strenuouswalks on warm, sunny days,and steer clear of prolongedsun exposure.■ Take your pets to an areathat has shade or a place forthem to swim so they can takea break to cool off, and if theywant to slow down or stop,follow their lead.Water for all■ Ensure your animals alwayshave access to clean, freshdrinking water.■In summer, keep their waterbowl in a shaded spot toavoid it warming up. Just likeus, pets don’t like warmdrinking water. You can alsoleave shallow dishes of coolwater in shaded spots outsideto help wildlife keep cool andhydrated. Water may also beused to mist pets to helpthem keep cool.Sunburn■ Pets that are fair-skinned orlight-haired are particularlysusceptible to the sun’s harshrays.■Skin cancer occurscommonly in dogs and cats

and, even though the furprovides some sunprotection, your pet needs asunblock applied every threeto four hours to areas of theirbody that have no, or little,hair.■You can buy pet-friendlysunscreen to rub on the tips oftheir ears, on the end of theirnose, and on their stomach —these are the most commonlysunburnt areas. Normalsunscreen ingredients includezinc oxide, which can be toxicto animals, so a pet-friendlysunscreen is best.Shade■ Ensure your outside pets,including horses, goats andpoultry, have access toshaded areas to avoid the sun.

Bear in mind the shade movesthroughout the day so makesure to have multiple shadesources so your pet isprotected regardless of timeof day.■Mature trees provideexcellent shade but, if you donot have access to these,artificial shade can be simplyand inexpensivelyconstructed from shade clothor tarps.Paws for thought■ Your dog’s feet can getburnt and blistered on the hotground, particularly hotpavements, asphalt orscorching beach sand. Hotblack iron-rich sands arefound along much of theWestern Coast of the North

Island and can cause hugedamage to the paws of yourfurry friends.■ Check if it is a safetemperature by holding theback of your hand on thepavement or sand for fiveseconds. If it is too hot for youto hold your hand there thenyour pet shouldn’t be outwalking on it.

Pet owners should alsotake extra care with older oroverweight pets,brachycephalic breeds (suchas Pugs, British Bulldogs, andFrench Bulldogs), and thosesuffering from cardiacconditions.

These pets are moresusceptible to falling victim toheat stress.

PH 07 872 0923Mega Centre, 670 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu

PATIENT PORTALIf you are 18 years and old older you could register for the Patient Portal. You can communicate with the practice through this portaland have access to your result, recalls and order repeat scripts.You might also be able to download the Patient Portal App on your phone. Please talk to Reception or your doctor.

ACCIDENT AND MEDICAL CENTREOPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK / X-RAY 7 DAYS PER WEEK

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOURS

21 DEC ...............................................8am - 8pm22 DEC ...............................................9am - 3pm23 DEC ...............................................9am - 3pm24 DEC ...............................................9am - 6pm25 DEC ...............................................9am - 1pm26 DEC ...............................................9am - 3pm27 DEC ...............................................8am - 8pm28 DEC ...............................................8am - 8pm29 DEC ...............................................9am - 3pm30 DEC ...............................................9am - 3pm31 DEC ...............................................9am - 6pm1 JAN ...................................................9am - 1pm2 JAN ...................................................9am - 3pm3 JAN ...................................................8am - 8pm4 JAN ...................................................8am - 8pm5 JAN ...................................................9am - 3pm6 JAN ...................................................9am - 3pm

We wish all our patients a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous

2019